The answering machine flicked to life, voice echoing across the vaulted ceiling of the premium unit. Normally, Guillaume would not hurry to answer, even knowing that Monique wanted his ear. In this case, however, he sped to the phone and picked it up, not bothering to greet her normally.
“We’ve got reservations at that place you suggested,” he announced. “In case you forgot, this was the one you wanted, that you insisted upon. I wasted much of my day begging and pleading and threatening. I even suggested my friend Mr. Wycliff would be called upon. That was what finally worked.”
Monique groaned. “Mr. Wycliff is a brainless thug. How could you insert something so ugly into what should be a sublime treat? You fixed it so that his soulless grimace is all that the staff will see when we walk in. You’ve ruined it for us. Just when is this misadventure scheduled?”
“Tonight at eight, Madame.”
“I can’t possibly be ready by then. I have business with a tenant until at least six and then I would have to somehow get my hair and nails all together by seven for the ride over. This is without considering the question of whether I have something to wear. We only have one chance to make our splash in this town at the top and we can’t afford to appear unworthy.”
“What do you suggest then?”
“Give your reservations to someone else. We need to wait until they have had time to forget your inexcusable rudeness. Make sure it’s someone they can respect, however. Then you can build up the illusion of being something you are not, a gracious philanthropist. That will truly help you next time.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. How many times have I told you this? Fear only makes more fear and then becomes hatred. Yes, hatred can be useful. You can crush people with it once they become blind followers. I know all that very well. Remember, though, that this time we are not trying to destroy but to master. There is a difference.”
“It infuriates me when you take that tone.”
“I know. I love your fury. It’s so divine.”
Guillaume thumbed through the contacts on his cell and then blitzed through the electronic file parked beside the phone. His teeth ground and he shook with rage.
“That was your last condescending, smug little lecture,” he muttered. “I will show you what my fury can really do. You wanted a good impression on the wait staff? I have one they’ll never forget…”
